St. Thomas Mayor Joe Preston likened it to the beginning of the end. And, with the opening of the COVID-19 mass immunization clinic 10 a.m. Monday in Memorial Arena, the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel will get that much brighter.
Thursday morning Southwestern Public Health let local media on a tour through the vaccination hub one year to the day after the World Health Organization declared a pandemic, reminded Cynthia St. John, Southwestern Public Health CEO.
And, getting shots into people’s arms, while it may sound like a simple process, it is far from it, she adds.
Between Memorial Arena and the mass immunization clinic in Woodstock, the aim is to vaccinate 150,000 in the Southwestern Public Health region. And for that, observed St. Thomas Mayor Joe Preston, we thank Southwestern Public Health and all of the community partners.
Jaime Fletcher, program manager of the COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force, walked the entourage through Memorial Arena, from the check-in area at the southwest corner of the facility through to the arena floor and on to the exit at the main door. An efficient flow through to ensure social distancing can be maintained at all times. With accessibility and mobility being top priorities.
The whole immunization is expected to take about 30 minutes and when you do check out after receiving your shot, you will be automatically booked for the booster shot in 112 days.
As to which vaccine will be used, Fletcher explains.
There will be 36 vaccination pods on the main floor area with 12 nurses working three pods each.
Fletcher explains the hours of operation over the first couple of weeks after Monday’s opening.
Adults aged 80+ and Indigenous adults aged 55+ can book by calling 226-289-3560 from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., or book online at www.covidvaccinelm.ca. Choose City of St. Thomas Memorial Arena from the drop down menu.
